On Thursday, May 20, 1982 at approximately 9:00 a.m., Illinois State Trooper, Bernard Skeeters, age 35, was killed when his squad car was struck from behind by a tractor-trailer on Interstate 55, north of Springfield.

Bernie was a 12-year veteran of District 9, Springfield, joining the Illinois State Police on March 9, 1970.

He was born to Joseph Edward Skeeters and Grace Rosalie Whitcomb he was the youngest of 15 children; he is survived by his wife, Marie, and their 3 sons, Tom, Ron, and Anthony.

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The following is courtesy of www.odmp.org

Trooper Bernard Skeeters was killed when his patrol car was struck from behind by a tractor trailer on I-55.

Working a safety detail at about 9:00 a.m., Trooper Skeeters was patrolling southbound on I-55 behind an Illinois Department of Transportation paint truck. A semi-trailer truck driver, having fallen asleep behind the wheel, slammed into Trooper Skeeters' squad car. Trooper Skeeters' squad car was forced into the IDOT paint truck which was carrying flammable paints and thinners. Both the squad car and paint truck exploded and were engulfed in flames. The three vehicle accident instantly killed Trooper Skeeters. The drivers of both the IDOT truck and the semi-trailer survived the accident.

The semi-trailer driver was charged with reckless homicide. However, a jury could not reach a unanimous decision to convict him.

Trooper Bernard D. Skeeters was a 12-year veteran of the Illinois State Police; He was assigned to District 9 in Springfield. Trooper Skeeters was survived by his wife and three sons.

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February 4, 2015
Synopsis As Introduced: Designates the Stuttle Road overpass over Interstate 55 in Williamsville as the "Trooper Bernard D. Skeeters Memorial Overpass".

HJ0021 LRB099 07768 MST 27901
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, It is highly fitting that the Illinois General Assembly pays honor and respect to individuals who gave their lives in the line of duty; and
WHEREAS, Illinois State Trooper Bernard Delano "Bernie" Skeeters's last watch occurred on May 20, 1982 when his patrol car was struck from behind by a tractor trailer on Interstate 55 near Williamsville; and
WHEREAS, Trooper Skeeters was working a safety detail patrolling on southbound Interstate 55 behind a paint truck when a semi-trailer slammed into his squad car from behind forcing his car into the paint truck in front of him; the 3-vehicle accident instantly killed Trooper Skeeters; and
WHEREAS, Trooper Skeeters became an Illinois State Troper on March 9, 1970 and served for 12 years; he was assigned to District 9 in Springfield; he was the youngest of 15 children to Joseph Edward and Grace Rosalie (nee Whitcomb) Skeeters; he was survived by his wife, Marie, and their 3 sons, Tom, Ron, and the late Anthony; therefore, be it RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HJ0021 - 2 - LRB099 07768 MST 27901

SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we designate the Stuttle Road overpass over Interstate 55 in Williamsville as the "Trooper Bernard D. Skeeters Memorial Overpass"; and be it further RESOLVED, That the Illinois Department of Transportation is requested to erect at suitable locations, consistent with State and Federal regulations, appropriate plaques or signs giving notice of the name "Trooper Bernard D. Skeeters Memorial Overpass"; and be it further RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the family of Trooper Skeeters and the Secretary of the Illinois Department of Transportation.